Sandra‘s Closet

“We wanted to really tell the story of the brand and of us.“
– HUMBERTO LEON, CREATIVE DIRECTOR, KENZO

Hello from NYC where I am for the launch event of Kenzo x H&M and I couldn’t be anymore excited about it. First of all, I truly love what I have seen so far and second of all, H&M throws the best parties for their designer collaborations.

Do you remember…
2011 H&M x Versace in NYC
2012 H&M x Maison Martin Margiela in NYC
2013 H&M x Isabel Marant in Paris
2014 H&M x Alexander Wang in NYC
2015 H&M x Balmain in NYC

A little surprise waiting in my room…

This time, I am staying at The Roxy Hotel Tribeca which is the partner hotel of the iconic Soho Grand that opened in September 2015. Walking into the lobby, the space feels a bit more like a movie theater than a typical hotel lobby, with brick walls and a huge restaurant setting the tone.

The entrance of The Roxy Hotel Tribeca…

I am on the top floor and have a beautiful view over the neighborhood. So far, I am very happy and will be heading out now to enjoy the beautiful and sunny weather…

My view

Inside the hotel…

My room…

Another part of my view…

With Carol Lim, Creative Director Kenzo, backstage at her first Opening Ceremony show in 2013.

Now, I am about to leave my hotel for the interview with Carol Lim, Humberto Leon of Kenzo and Ann-Sofie Johansson of H&M. Enjoy some of my first impressions and stay tuned for more coming up from NYC. Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @sandrascloset for live updates! The show will be taking place on Wednesday evening at 7.45pm local time.

Below you can see some of my personal must-haves of the collection that will hit the stores on November 3, 2016.! Enjoy!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M and © Sandra Bauknecht

While you are reading this, I am on my way to NYC again for the launch party of Kenzo x H&M. October has been a crazy travel month so far and fighting jet lag takes a lot of discipline. Therefore I was extremely happy to spend the weekend at the Grand Resort Bag Ragaz where I could just relax and chill. I truly need this «time off» in between those crazy weeks. Here you see me in the park of the hotel on Sunday enjoying the beautiful autumn sun and being already in a «Kenzo» mood.

My look: Chunky striped mohair wool coat and matching hat, both by Chloé, printed cotton-jersey T-shirt and printed cotton-jersey track pants, both by Kenzo, Ace embroidered low-top leather trainers and Dionysus medium embellished coated canvas shoulder bag, both by Gucci, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery, «So Real» sunglasses by Dior and Tonda 1950 Set Clarity watch by Parmigiani Fleurier.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Each month, I could dedicate at least one post to M∙A∙C Cosmetics. Their collaborations get better and better. This one is definitely to die for as I am a huge fan of the late legendary photographer, Helmut Newton. Limited Edition celebrates the erotically charged and elegant work of this icon. A regular contributor to Vogue and Vanity Fair, Newton is known for his precise, glamorous and empowering photography of women.

Helmut Newton, October 31, 1920 – January 23, 2004

This limited-edition color collection captures the photographer’s provocative, exquisite taste, dressing wine-stained lips in sultry rogue while darkening eyes in the black and white shades of his signature aesthetic. Nails are lacquered in colors inspired by Monte Carlo and Berlin, two of his homes. A selection of Newton’s most iconic photographs adorns the bespoke packaging – his work remains as distinctive and influential as ever.

Have fun exploring the new beauty must-haves:

POINT ‘N’ SHOOT EYESHADOW X4 | CHF 60.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Real Fantasy Soft eggshell (Matte)
Hard Currency Grey (Matte)
Influential Brown (Satin)
Point ‘n’ Shoot Black (Matte)

LIQUID EYE LINER | CHF 28.00
Boot Black Black

UPWARD LASH | CHF 34.00
Upward Black Black

RETRO MATTE LIQUID LIP COLOUR | CHF 32.00| LIMITED EDITION

Chateau M Deep red wine
High Heels Red
Self Portrait Dark plum

M∙A∙C STUDIO NAIL LACQUER | CHF 18.00 | LIMITED EDITION

Berlin Purple (Crème)
Call Time Grey (Crème)
Monte Carlo Red (Crème)

In stores now.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of M∙A∙C Cosmetics, © Helmut Newton

Finally – here is the bouquet you really wanted from your boyfriend. Dear gentlemen, who hopefully are reading this post, surprise your loved one with one of those floral must-haves and you will make her heart leap with joy. Shop the brand new Karlie embroidered suede pumps by Aquazzura or the stunning floral embellished appliquéd canvas and satin clutch by Alexander McQueen now!

Below you can find some more pieces to choose from – to a blossoming love!

LoL, Sandra

Sicily medium floral-print textured-leather tote by Dolce & Gabbana

Petra floral-print leather pumps by Tabitha Simmons

Leather-trimmed painted wood clutch by Dolce & Gabbana

Embellished printed leather Mary Jane pumps by Dolce & Gabbana

New Ace floral-print canvas sneakers by Gucci

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

La Roche-Posay‘s skincare line LIPIKAR has offered the perfect nourishing products for extremely dry skin. Moreover the brand has been supporting families with children who suffer from atopy to help them make their daily life easier. If you are not familiar with the term, here is a brief explanation: atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease. Patients have defective skin permeability and a hyperreactive, unbalanced immune system. The skin is very dry, sensitive and tends to be red and itching.

Filaggrin, a protein of the skin which ensures adhesion between cells in the outermost layer of the skin, is deficient. In addition, the skin lacks the lipids which are naturally found on its surface and which protect it from potential allergens. Under these circumstances, irritants found in the environment and which are usually well tolerated, such as pollen, dust and certain hygiene products, can penetrate the skin and cause a flare-up of eczema.

From November 1 to December 31, 2016, La Roche-Posay is launching a great campaign in Switzerland. People are encouraged to post a photo with a blue balloon on www.laroche-posay.ch. For every 500th shared balloon, one Swiss child will receive for one year free LIPIKAR products.

LIPID-REPLENISHING BALM LIPIKAR BAUME AP+
soothes immediately the skin and spaces out flare-ups of severe dryness.
Available now for CHF 22.00 (200ml) and CHF 28.50 (400ml).

LIPID-REPLENISHING CREAM WASH LIPIKAR SYNDET AP+
helps reduce severe dryness starting in the shower.
Available from November 2016 for CHF 24.50 (400ml)

Don’t forget, sharing is caring!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Roche-Posay and © Sandra Bauknecht

Greetings from beautiful Bordeaux where I spent the last two days as guest of CAUDALIE, the French beauty brand that is committed to delivering all natural, anti-aging skincare with the power of the vine. The port city on the Garonne River in southwestern France is home to the vineyard-inspired luxury house.

Despite the cold temperatures and the rain, I walked around the streets of this extremely picturesque town that is the world’s major wine industry capital. Its historic part is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as “an outstanding urban and architectural ensemble” of the 18th century.

I had so much fun that I was jumping around…

Water mist effect

Located between the Garonne and beautiful 18th century architecture of the Place de la Bourse, the Mirroir d’Eau is the most-photographed site in Bordeaux and is listed as a contemporary World Heritage Site by Unesco. Designed by landscape artist Michel Corajoud, it alternates a mirror effect and artificial misting in an extraordinary way.

Pool mirror effect

In front of the fountain at Place de la Bourse

Place de la Bourse, also known as Place Royale, is one of Bordeaux’s most beautiful squares.

The cutest stores can be found in the streets of Bordeaux.

At the Place de la Comédie

Place de la Comédie is a place where the main streets of Bordeaux converge, including the 1200 meters long promenade Sainte Catherine, which is said to be the longest pedestrian shopping street in all of France. Mind the trams and settle on the terrasses to enjoy the beautiful sight of la vie bordelaise going by. A huge statue of a woman’s face, so-called «Sanna» by Catalan artist Jaume Plensa, has been standing there since 2013.

Walking towards the Eglise Notre Dame la Grande.

The name loosely translates as the «Church of Our Great Lady». It is an 11th century Gothic church located at Rue Marbly and one of the city’s most popular buildings. Built by Pierre Duplessy, a renowned architect and town planner in the late 17th century, it is a listed historical monument.

Bordeaux is an extremely beautiful city that I can only recommend to visit. Stay tuned as I will tell you more about my hotel, Les Sources de Caudalie and all my little adventures here soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Over-the-knee boots have become a fashion mainstay and this F/W 2016 season, they look amazing in burgundy. Most designers are going for suede whereas Roksanda‘s take is all about the season’s ultimate trend material: velvet.

 Ashlyn velvet over-the-knee boots by Roksanda

Other great models are the following:

1 Highland stretch-suede over-the-knee boots by Stuart Weitzman
2 Tasseled suede over-the-knee boots by Aquazzura
3 BB stretch-suede over-the-knee boots by Saint Laurent
4 Maira paneled suede over-the-knee boots by Jimmy Choo
5 Kent stretch-suede over-the-knee boots by Sam Edelman

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

“We feel it’s inevitable and crucial to create contemporary clothing.” – Demna Gvasalia.

The Creative Director of Paris design collective Vetements and Maison Margiela alumni elevates deceptively simple pieces with meticulous construction, considered fabrics and playful proportions. Leading the fashion tribe, he set a new tone for denim with its no-hem-hemline: think cut-off, let-down, frayed and raw. With its coolness, it’s completely street style approved and worth the investment.

Reworked high-rise slim-leg jeans by Vetements

And now, aside from Vetements, it’s gone mass: J Brand, Mother, Frame and many others (see below), are going for the uneven, distressed hem.

If you don’t feel like maxing out your budget on a pair of denim jeans, I suggest taking your scissors to create your own frayed style. For all others have fun shopping!

LoL, Sandra

Distressed mid-rise straight-leg jeans by Steve J & Yoni P

Insider cropped high-rise slim-leg jeans by Mother

Distressed mid-rise slim-leg jeans by Facetasm

Carolina high-rise skinny jeans by J Brand

Le Crop Mini frayed mid-rise bootcut jeans by Frame

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and via Tommy Ton

Clutches are small, fine and compliment every feminine outfit just perfectly. This season, a statement bag gets a whole new meaning and can be taken literally. Only your personal taste and your style decide, which one will be your favourite. With these quotes, the stage is all yours and you set a point right from the start.

LoL, Sandra

Dolce embellished printed leather shoulder bag by Dolce & Gabbana (my favorite)

Speech Bubble embroidered leather clutch by Sophia Webster

Iconic Print leather clutch by Givenchy

Love Pill confetti Perspex clutch by Sarah’s Bag

Superstar Vanity croc-effect leather clutch by Charlotte Olympia

Flavia Gangster glittered acrylic box clutch by Edie Parker

Leather and fabric embellished pouch by Gucci

Wifey For Lifey beaded cotton clutch by Sophia Webster

Candy printed acrylic clutch by Jimmy Choo

Everything I Do Makes Me book clutch by Olympia Le-Tan

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands

Yesterday, I just got back from NYC and next week, I will be going there again for the launch party of Kenzo x H&M and I couldn’t be more excited. This morning, in advance of the New York show, I received the full preview of the collaboration that will be arriving in 250 H&M stores around the world on November 3, 2016.

For the lookbook, Carol Lim and Humberto Leon of Kenzo went for an eclectic global cast. The ambassadors featured in the lookbook are: writer and activist Amy Sall, photographer Youngjun Koo, artist and DJ Juliana Huxtable, musician and performance artist Oko Ebombo, fashion editor Harriet Verney, make-up artist Isamaya Ffrench, artist Ingrid, musician Anna of the North, model and rapper Le1f, as well as models Mae Lapres, Hao Liu, Selena Forrest, Tom Gaskin, Julia Banas and Pierre Painchaud.

Shot me an e-mail and let me know what you think about the collaboration!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of H&M, Photographer: Oliver Hadlee Pearch